Back to Work: True Stories & Helpful Tips

Back to Work: True Stories & Helpful Tips

July 27, 2022 Women

“I knew it would be hard to leave Nicole, but feeling guilty about going back to work made my decision to continue breastfeeding easier. Learning how to pump and how to establish my milk supply wasn’t as hard as I thought. My WIC peer counselor was very helpful and reminded me to keep nursing to give Nicole the best start possible.”
– Jordan, WIC mom

bottle-feeding

Breastfeeding provides a special bond between mother and baby. This is especially true for moms who can’t always be with their baby. Not only is breastfeeding possible, many working parents find it easier than bottle-feeding.

Here are some helpful tips to make your return to work (or school) easier:

WHILE YOU ARE PREGNANT:
With Your Baby At Home:
Back at Work:
Pumping Tips:
How to Store Human Milk:

“I went back to work when Maddox was only six weeks old. I thought I’d have to switch to formula, but then WIC helped me find an electric pump to use — so I figured I could give it a try. I’m so glad I did! It really isn’t hard and at the end of the day, nursing is how I “de-stress” and reconnect with Maddox.”

– Karlee, WIC mom

When you choose to stick with breastfeeding, you’re helping your baby in two ways — supporting them by working or going back to school and giving them the best nutrition that money can’t buy!

Storage Guidelines for Human Milk

STORAGE LOCATIONS AND TEMPERATURES
TYPE OF HUMAN MILK Countertop
77oF (25oC) or colder

(room temperature)
Refrigerator
40oF (4oC)
Freezer
0oF (-18oC) or colder
Freshly Expressed or Pumped Up to 4 Hours Up to 4 Days Within 6 months is best.
Up to 12 months is
acceptable.
Thawed, Previously Frozen 1-2 Hours Up to 1 Day
(24 hours)
NEVER refreeze human milk after it has been thawed.
Leftover from a Feeding
(baby did not finish the bottle)
Use within 2 Hours after baby is finished feeding.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

For more information:
www.LLLI.org (La Leche League), www.workandpump.com or www.kellymom.com